MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) formed a panel to investigate into the purchase of allegedly overpriced razors for senior high classes in Northern Mindanao.

In a statement issued by DepEd, the controversial razors were bought by DepEd officials in Region 10 for Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track in senior high classes. Between April and June 2016, 13 razors priced at PHP1,878 each were bought. The said razors, Gillette Vector, were usually priced at around P200 a piece at supermarkets.

"Based on preliminary reports, payment for the items has not been made since the supplier did not comply with the specifications. The incident appears to have occurred prior to the term of the present administration," the statement read.

DepEd regional director, Allan Farnazo defended the purchase and said that there’s no irregularities in the bidding. He clarified that the purchase price for the razors were set by the DepEd national office and the regional office was only allowed to choose items from the list set by the national office.

Farnazo confirmed that the Davao City-based N. R. Eustaquio Enterprises Inc. won the bidding and delivered 13 razors worth a total of P24,414.

The controversial razors have yet to be paid until the issue is cleared. Faranzo said, “No payment will be made for items that are found to be not in accordance with required specifications.”

DepEd has yet to confirm setting purchase price

Education Secretary Leonor Briones did not confirm the claim of Farnazo that the purchase price of the razors were set by DepEd national office. She said, “Tinitingnan din namin ang dokumento sa aming side para mai-compare ang parehong side."

Briones remained firm with their stand to stop any irregularity in the agency and vowed to get into the bottom of the issue. “Iimbestigahan kung may lapse sa pagsunod ng proseso...Everybody down the line ay may accountability."